One does not turn 500 every day, so how do you celebrate such a milestone? You channel your inner Henry VIII and commission a massive cake that would make even one of Hampton Court’s famous residents proud.

This year will mark 500 years since Cardinal Wolsey leased Hampton Court and began a massive refurbishment transforming Hampton Court into an extravagant palace. A palace eventually relinquished to his one-time supporter and friend, King Henry VIII as part of his ‘penance’ for the debacle of Henry’s divorce from Kathrine of Aragon.

To mark this epic milestone in Royal history, Historic Royal Palaces commissioned “show-stopping edible extravaganza fit for a king (or queen!)” from cake virtuosos Choccywoccydoodah.

Over three feet high, and rendered in white chocolate, the palace’s birthday cake highlights 500 years of Hampton Court’s history in stunning detail.

The cake is sweet historical trip through the history of Hampton Court Palace. From The King’s Beasts, Henry VIII’s crown as well the famous Great Vine and architectural features, each tier showcases a different century in the palace’s history and is transformed into edible artwork.

The top tier of the cake, topped by glittering gold stars, pays tribute to the palace’s central role in the London 2012 Olympic Games, where cyclist Bradley Wiggins won gold for Team GB.

“Choccywoccydoodah are very proud to be making this magnificent cake to mark Hampton Court Palace’s 500th birthday. If history were turned on its head, I hope Henry VIII would be delighted with this cake, particularly as his glittering style has provided so much inspiration, 500 years on. A cake homage to an important part of British history, spanning half a millennium; who wouldn’t be proud?” Christine Taylor, Creative Director of Choccywoccydoodah, replied:

Marc Meltonville, Historic Royal Palaces’ resident food historian, stated: “This cake continues a long tradition of culinary spectacle at Hampton Court. 500 years ago the court would have been dazzled by the lavish dishes produced by Wolsey’s kitchens, and five centuries later Choccywoccydoodah’s outrageous creation would surely rival anything created in splendour and magnificence.”

Throughout 2015, the palace will hold a series of exclusive events, displays and entertainments. Heralded as a “vast sweep of half a century of history: from the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII to the small army of curators, conservators and gardeners who keep the palace ticking over today.”

To commemorate its spectacular history, Hampton Court Palace plans to “bring all 500 years of history to life, with a series of celebrations to mark the survival of this remarkable building.”

Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers.

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